What support is available for MS sufferers in France?
How can I can find a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) support group in France? I have been recently diagnosed and live in Belvès, Dordogne. P.W.
One of the main charities involved in MS (sclérose en plaques [SEP] in French) is the Ligue contre la sclérose en plaques. If you visit ligue-sclerose.fr it would be worth checking out Les réseaux SEP (MS networks) and the associations. The former are regional centres coordinating help for MS sufferers, which can give a range of advice. See the section on the bottom right of the website about these and follow the links for a click-able map. Your nearest would be the one based in Bordeaux (aquisep.fr).
The Ligue contre la sclérose en plaques has a helpline on 0810 808 953 (local call cost) or 01 53 98 98 87. There are also a number of local associations linked to the Ligue (see ligue-sclerose.fr/Les-Associations).
Another helpful port of call would be Association française des sclérosés en plaques which has many local volunteer groups for sufferers to help each other, including one in Bergerac. Visit afsep.fr and follow L’Association and then Nos délégations.
A third charity, APF, also gives information on the disease, including organising regular Ecoles de la SEP around France – events for those who have been recently diagnosed, to better understand how to live with the condition. Find out more by contacting one of their local delegations, of which there are many (put in your department and click rechercher here: apf.asso.fr/apf-en-france or see here for one in the Dordogne: dd24.blogs.apf.asso.fr
Another initiative is annual meet-ups for information sharing about MS in certain large cities, called La Maison de la SEP (lamaisondelasep.fr).
One of the organisers of the Dordogne delegation of APF, Marie-Christine Cabarat, said there is a support group that meets in Périgueux, and one of the people running it is a British woman. She said: “People meet up to talk about their experiences and about new therapies. It’s for support and accompaniment and maintaining health and fitness. Exchanging experiences often helps.” The contact for joining the group is Maria Chevreux – and you can reach her on 05 53 53 13 25.
